Xiaomi Mi 5c release date, news & update: Toned-down Mi 5 handset could be coming this December with a Pinecone processor

The Xiaomi Meri handset that could be called the Xiaomi Mi 5c is expected to release soon and the smartphone would be a toned-down variant of Xiaomi’s flagship Mi 5. The company has had the most-interesting year with many releases. It released the bezel-less Mi MIX and Redmi Note 3 and also the flagship Mi 5.

Now, the company is reportedly at the brink of releasing the Xiaomi Meri aka Mi 5c in China and that could be as early as Dec. 12. As per Gizmo China, the Xiaomi Mi 5c could be using a Pinecone processor. Leaks and renders revealed a sleek design and a full-metal rounded body. The trademark oblong Mi button will be found under the display.

The fingerprint sensor could be embedded on the Home button. The Xiaomi Mi 5c may also sport a 2.5D arc glass on the display with an entirely thin body build. A BGR India states, the Xiaomi Mi 5c may be available in Black, Gold and Rose Gold colour options. The handset may be available for RMB1,499 (AU$300) approximately.

There have been conflicting reports about the Mi 5c display. Some reports claim a 5.1-inch display while others believe it will sport a 5.5-inch Full HD Display. Internal storage of 64GB and a 3GB RAM are also expected. The device will support 4G and USB Type-C data transfers. The handset is expected to run on Android 6.0 Marshmallow-based MIUI 8.

Xiaomi hasn’t made anything official yet and hence fans will have to depend on rumours for the time being. Some believe that the Xiaomi Mi 5c would be a compact version of Mi MIX. Xiaomi is reportedly working on a MIUI 9 update based on the latest Android 7.0 Nougat. If at all the company releases the Mi 5c this year, sooner or later it will receive the Nougat upgrade.